It's been a rollercoaster since Elias was born. Really we've been on the 'coaster for many years, but the peaks and valleys have been rapid and relentless since we went to the hospital for induction.
I'm pleased to say the rollercoaster has reached a new high point.
Eli has had four excellent nights in a row. The last two I haven't even had to take him for a drive - they've just been sleep ~3 hours, stirring, feeding, back to sleep within 20 minutes and down for ~4 hours. This has been a thrilling and unexpected development, as just last weekend I had to take him for five drives in a 15-hour period. The night before none of us slept more than 90 minutes straight.
This isn't to say Eli's colic has disappeared. Rather, it's shifted. He has been fussier during the afternoons of late, with a standard meltdown in the early evening. Melissa's experience hasn't improved as much as mine. I usually battle the evening episode with a bumpy stroller walk. The walk doesn't win the battle, but usually keeps the enemy at bay before Melissa's last breastfeed. It's also a way for me to get some exercise in preparation for the night. The stroller has a couple drink holders which I generally occupy with an iced latte and a beer. After the walk, he's been feeding, then threatening a meltdown but drifting off for a solid chunk.
This shift has made an amazing difference in my well-being. It's had the obvious benefits of more zzzs and less crying. But the benefits are really exponential, because the rested mind and less-fatigued ears are then less stressed and exhausted by daytime crying. Basically, crying is easier to handle when there's less of it.
I can honestly say I've been happy the last few days. Not just happy relative to where I was, but legitimately happy. It helps that the boy is starting to interact some more, to gaze with more intent, to motion and grasp, to smile and chortle. He is undeniably cute. Especially when he isn't crying.
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